Ranger RD4 or Little Bird?

D

diceman

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Jan 1, 2007
Messages
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My dad wants to get a "smaller" knife for my brother - who is a climber/hiker and spends a lot of time alone (and bladeless) in some fairly remote areas - he told me to pick something out. I'm planning on going with a Ranger knife - but don't know if the RD4 or Little Bird would be better suited for a rock/cliff climber (as I know absolutely nothing about climbing, and I'm by no means a knife expert). The thought is that he needs a blade for the "worst case scenario" survival situation, not so much for general use. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
It sounds like you have picked a good company with ranger.
You could also consider the RAT 3
 
It would be about the right size... I'd really like to stick w/ Ranger though. I'm thinking hard about the Little Bird, since he spends hours hanging off the sides of cliffs and stuff - since I've never done that kind of thing, I don't what kind of difference "weight" makes. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll check in to it.
 
The best thing you could do at this point would be to call Justin at Ranger and ask him what he thinks would be best. I promise he won't steer you wrong.
 
Good call on that. I just talked to my brother on the phone, and he's "sure" that he wants a folder - thats not what I PERSONALLY think would suit him best - BUT - I appreciate all the help from you guys, and might look in to one of Justin's smaller blades for myself here soon.
 
The RD 4 and Little Bird are 2 very different knives!! I would say the RD 4, as I think it would be much more useful.
 
The LB might be to small for a back packing blade. I love my Rd-4 so I suggest to go with that.

mmmotorcycle
 
RD4 is in the new lineup as a regular production model from what I've heard. The ranger knives section at the knife forum has some pix I think. Thanks CB I'll check it out.
 
Get your brother an Endura 4 PE and a SAK w/a saw. Should come in about the same price as an RD 4. Definitely get an RD4 for yourself. I've loved every Ranger I've owned and Justin's warranty is ironclad.
 
I have an old style custom RD4, that I love. It is a great knife. You can't go worng with one of Justin's knives.
 
Tolly said:
The best thing you could do at this point would be to call Justin at Ranger and ask him what he thinks would be best. I promise he won't steer you wrong.
Click to expand...

Since the RD4 is not "officially" a regular knife, but a custom (if I'm not wrong), getting one exactly for your brother's needs would be almost the same price. So "call Justin" seems to be the best solution.

And if your brother don't like his ranger knife... I'm ready to trade him my SAK climber for it.


I know, I'm too kind.
 
as a rock climber weight and bulkiness of gear really does matter. while doing roped rock climbing all i have on me is a spyderco ladybug II. The main use of the knife would be if something gets stuck and you need to cut some rope/ webbing. I think anything that will fit on a carabiner or is overall pretty small (maybe a salt1 or tasman salt) would work best.
 
I used to be a rock and mountain climber, and believe me, your brother is making the RIGHT choice by going with a folder. With any chance of falling or slamming into things, the last thing you need is a fixed blade knife adding to the potential and equation of injury (yes, I've got some ugly stories). Military assaults aside, a fixed blade knife is an unnecessary risk when climbing.

Contact some of the pro shops in your area that sell climbing equipment, they will be more than happy to give you solid experienced advice on choosing the right cutlery for the sport.

-Dan
 
You want him to have the knife on him when he's climbing right?

If so get him a folder or a small fixed blade like the little bird.

If he wants a folder get him a folder as he will be more likely to carry it.

However, if you choose to go the route of a fixed blade I would recomend finding out more about the preformance of the little bird. While I am a huge fan of Justin's knives and own an RD4 I think that an RD4 would be too big. I have also heard mixed reviews about the little bird. I've heard that it is too thick for such a small knife and that its ergonomics aren't so great.

Keep in mind I have only heard this, however, I do trust the information. If you decide to get the little bird I would make sure that this is not true.
 
Small folder is definitely better for climbing. Go serrated if he's not going to keep it sharp, PE if he's a knife knut (but it sounds like not).

Some things to look at: Spyderco Dragonfly, Native, Delica, Atlantic Salt, Pacific Salt. Partially serrated might be the best - serrated portion for cutting rope, plain edge for whittling tinder for a fire. Benchmade Griptillian. If you want to go a little higher end, I recommend the Spyderco Ocelot - nice G10, strong point. Could also consider a Paramilitary.

I'm betting if you go smaller and lighter, he'll be more likely to take it along and use it - which is why the Dragonfly tops the list. No sense getting something he's not going to use. A tiny little Dragonfly or Ladybug in his pack will do infinitely more good than the Ranger at home.

I carried a Gerber LST and Leatherman Micra as my hiking kit for a long time, supplemented with a pocket wire saw. Never had trouble cutting up dinner or starting a fire, though cooking was done on a stove. Lately, I've taken to carrying a Benchmade AFCK, or a small fixed blade (Pukko, Busse Mean Street, Reeve Mountaineer IV, etc.) mostly because I have them and might as well them. The Reeve is awesome at cutting cheese, the Busse is pretty awful. The fixed blades are overkill for climbing - at best they'd be really expensive, A2 pitons.

It's tough buying knives for people. Good luck.
 
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